Conclusions - Rosie


Back on the mooring at Weir Quay, we were welcomed ashore by Mike Parkin and Pat Moss plus Rob Smith and Mike Grimshaw from the Tavy Tars, who serenaded us as we enjoyed a celebratory glass on Mike's patio.  What a lovely homecoming!

Some thoughts about our voyage:
A great way to see our beautiful country and to meet those living along its coastlines.
Quite challenging at times when the sea conditions rose to test us.
Rapport is a lovely boat that took care of us when we most needed it.
We were SO lucky with the weather and this made a tremendous difference.
The abundance of sea life, especially birds, in our remote waters has been staggering to observe.
The resourcefulness of islanders is impressive and how they pull together to sustain their communities.
We are very grateful for the warm welcome we received from everyone.
The west coast of Scotland is so beautiful but is sparsely populated and has remarkably few visiting yachts.
The midges in Scotland are a force to be reckoned with but were mercifully not too bad this year.
Echoes of past conflicts continue to generate powerful feelings in Ireland on both sides of the border.
The Orkneys have left a strong mark and I (Rosie) feel the pull to return.  Their beauty and friendly people call out to me.
Seas round major headlands need to be respected as strong forces are at work!
What Britain smells like from the sea:
- West Scotland = wet pine and heather
- Orkneys = sweet white clover and wild flowers
- East Scotland = chips!
- Thames Estuary =  sewage and sometimes petrochemicals
- South England = cows
Huh?
The east coast of Britain is really not so amenable as the west for sailing - rather flat and few safe havens.
Devon is a great place to sail home to!

And finally, thanks are due to our friends for their valuable advice and for the loan of so many charts, pilot books and guide books that helped us on our way.

Oh and thanks for following us, whoever you are!


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